Autistic Shounak’s art creations remind us of Taare Zameen Paar – GetBengal story
HThis is the inspiring story of a boy who, despite being autistic, gave a new definition to life. Meet Shounak Ghosh, who has explored art forms across multiple media. Shounak was diagnosed with autism at the age of three-and-a-half years. “Both his muteness and confirmation was a news to be worried about, but was never a situation to be ashamed of,” says his mother Suchita Ghosh. His parents happily accepted the news and realized he needed to go to a special school. Shounak thus started attending Pradip Autism Center to develop his functional areas, seek methods of understanding and his parents wanted to nurture their child in a better way rather than wait for his critical learning age to fall.
Shounak began learning various art forms under the guidance of his art teacher. Recognizing his interest in art, his mother encouraged him to explore different mediums such as earthen pots, handkerchiefs, tablecloths, and more. She added, “One must explore and think beyond one’s own capabilities to understand the real strength.” Shounak has a challenge with building sentences, nevertheless he has amazing skills of reading and writing in three different languages i.e. Hindi, English and Bengali. With the determination to seek and explore more, in 2017 he joined AIMS Media an associate partner of his school which made him explore modern technology to make him think beyond creativity.
AEMP or Ability Enhancement Multimedia Program by AIMS Media helped in improvising Shounak’s fine motor skills, engrossment skills and worked on his tolerance through their efficient outlined curriculum. His astounding painting was taken to the exhibition - Autism Planet, held in India Habitat Center, New Delhi which in return paid him a motivational sum.
As the world observes Autistic Pride Day today, Shounak’s achievements stand as a powerful reminder to celebrate neurodiversity and embrace the strengths it brings. His journey encourages us all to recognize, support, and uplift individuals on the spectrum—proving that with understanding and opportunity, every mind can truly shine.
